World Football

In this edition of World Football we’re chatting with one of the biggest names in Egyptian football, Mido. As a striker he spent his career with some of the biggest clubs across Europe representing the likes of Ajax, Roma, Marseille and Tottenham while also winning over 50 caps for his country. He’s now looking to unearth the next generation of Egyptian talent to follow in the footsteps of those who have gone before, and players like Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush who will both play key roles for their club sides and Egypt over the coming season. John Bennett has been speaking to Mido at The Maker Academy in Cairo. Image: Egyptian star striker Ahmad "Mido" Hossam celebrates after scoring the first goal against Libya during the opening football match at the African Nations Cup (CAN) in Cairo 20 January 2006. (Photo by KHALED DESOUKI/AFP via Getty Images)

Maz Farookhi presents reaction from Rabat as Nigeria come back from 2-0 down to beat hosts Morocco 3-2 in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final. For Nigeria, it is a record extending 10th title, while Morocco have now lost the last two finals. The Atlas Lionesses led 2-0 at the break in Rabat through Ghizlane Chebbak's fine curling effort and a scuffed shot from Sanaa Mssoudy. But Esther Okoronkwo inspired the West Africans after the break, pulling a goal back from the penalty spot in the 64th minute after Nouhaila Benzina handled Folamide Ijamilusi's cross. Okoronko burst into the Morocco box and squared for Ijamilusi to equalise in the 71st minute, then teed up substitute Jennifer Echegini to score the winner with two minutes of the game remaining. Four time Wafcon winner Desire Oparanozie and BBC Sport Africa’s Rob Stevens join Maz from the Olympic Stadium. Photo: Nigeria's players celebrate with the trophy on the podium after winning the 2025 Women's Africa Cup of Nations final football match against Morocco at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on July 26, 2025. (Credit: AFP via Getty Images)

Maz Farookhi is joined by the voice of African Football Mark Gleeson to preview the final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations between Nigeria and Morocco. Four-time Wafcon winner Osinachi Ohale tells Maz about how she is helping the younger members of the Nigeria squad to prepare for the big occasion. Moroccan sports journalist Kaoutar Alaidi explains the anticipation in the country ahead of the host’s ambition to win the competition for the first time. North African football journalist Maher Mezahi joins Maz to discuss the controversial appointment of Morocco’s head coach Jorge Vilda and how a triumph for his side in Rabat could see him leave a long legacy on football in Morocco. Image: Morocco's players react during the penalty shootout at the end of the 2025 Women's Africa Cup of Nations semi-final football match between Morocco and Ghana at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on July 22, 2025. (Photo by Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP via Getty Images)

Bahiya Lahmidy, the head of women’s football at ASFAR, Morocco’s most successful club, tells Maz Farookhi about the club’s rise to dominance and how she hopes a Morocco win at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations could help develop football for females further in the country. Maz is also joined by BBC Sport Africa’s Rob Stevens on the legacy of this tournament and what needs to be done ahead as the country prepares to host a men’s and another women’s AFCON in the next 12 months. Image: Morocco's forward #19 Sakina Ouzraoui celebrates with defender #14 Aziza Rabbah after scoring her team's equaliser during the 2025 Women's Africa Cup of Nations semi-final football match against Ghana at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on July 22, 2025. (Photo by Abdel Majid/AFP via Getty Images)

The two finalists of this year's Women’s Africa Cup of Nations are now confirmed, but it wasn’t without drama for both Morocco and Nigeria. BBC World Football’s Maz Farookhi is in Casablanca where she saw Nigeria beat defending champions South Africa 2-1 with a dramatic stoppage time winner. Maz dissects the match with sports journalists Firdose Moonda and Onyinyechi Obaroh. Match winner Michelle Alozie shares the emotion of scoring the goal that sent Nigeria through to the final and also hear from South Africa defender Lebohang Ramalepe. Nigeria will face the hosts Morocco in the final and Piers Edwards reflects on their penalty shootout win in their semi-final against Ghana, with the former Nigeria goalkeeper Rachael Ayegba. Image: Morocco's players celebrate after winning the 2025 Women's Africa Cup of Nations semi-final football match against Ghana at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on July 22, 2025. (Photo by Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP via Getty Images)

BBC World Football’s Maz Farookhi is joined by Ghanian sports journalist Veronica Commey to discuss the Black Queens run to the semi-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Ghana have reached the last four for the first time since 2016 and Commey believes their future is bright, even if the three-times runners up don’t go on to lift the trophy. She also believes they face a difficult atmosphere against hosts Morocco but is confident the players won’t suffer with stage fright. Plus, the BBC's Celestine Karoney has been inside the Ghana camp to speak to winger, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah. Credit: Cynthia Konlan of Ghana looks on during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Costa Rica 2022 group D match between Japan and Ghana at Alejandro Morera Soto on August 14, 2022 in Alajuela, Costa Rica. (Photo: FIFA via Getty Images)

The dust is still settling after two more dramatic quarter-finals went the distance on Saturday, and we now know our final four at this Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. It includes two of the tournament heavyweights: Nigeria face South Africa on Tuesday. The nine-time champions sailed through their quarter final with a 5-0 win over Zambia. Meanwhile, reigning champions South Africa failed to find a goal in the 90 minutes or in extra time on Saturday against Senegal - but got over the line in the penalty shoot-out. Ghana play Morocco in Tuesday’s later kick-off. Maz Farookhi and guests look ahead to all the action, and we hear from Nigeria and Super Falcons defender Ashley Plumptre about the potential of a return of the grudge match-up with South Africa from three years ago.

The semi-final line up is complete for the Women's Euros 2025. Italy will face defending champions England on Tuesday in Geneva while world champions Spain will come up against the eight time winners Germany on Wednesday in Zurich. Delyth Lloyd and Sophia Hartley are joined by experts to preview both fixtures – it’s the first time Italy have reached this stage since 1997, so are they the surprise team of the tournament? We hear from England’s Beth Mead, and discuss the power of the Lionesses’ bench. And when it comes to the World Champions, Spain, have they really been challenged so far in the tournament? Plus, we discuss the penalty conundrum that has plagued the tournament – with Germany goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger’s outstanding performance to help her side defy France, paired with Germany’s prowess from the spot, would that give the eight-time champions the edge should it come down to penalties?

Zambia take on Nigeria in the quarterfinals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, looking to improve on their third placed finish in 2022. Barbra Banda and Rachel Kundananji will be leading their attack, so how will Nigeria stop them? Standing in their way will be Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie who’s been speaking to BBC World Football's Maz Farookhi. Maz also speaks to Banda and is joined on the podcast by Zambian sports journalist Lydia Makina and ex Nigeria goalkeeper Rachel Ayegba to preview the stand out tie. Credit: Zambia's forward #11 Barbra Banda celebrates scoring a goal in the women's group B football match between Australia and Zambia during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Nice Stadium in Nice on July 28, 2024. (Photo: AFP via Getty Images)

World Football's Maz Farookhi previews the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals from Morocco with Nigeria journalist Biola Solace-Chukwu from Ladies March and Moroccan journalist Kaoutar Alaidi. You’ll hear from Nigeria’s Rasheedat Ajibade about what it’s like to captain the Super Falcons players and what they have learned from the group stage as they face title rivals Zambia, plus Maz discusses the hopes of Morocco and South Africa in the tournament. Photo: Rasheedat Ajibade #15 of Team Nigeria reacts during the Women's group C match between Nigeria and Brazil during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux on July 25, 2024 in Bordeaux, France. (Credit: FIFA via Getty Images)

Chelsea are taking on Paris Saint-Germain in the first ever final of the new look, expanded FIFA Club World Cup. It’s a tournament that’s made headlines on and off the pitch since it kicked off in June. Sportsworld’s John Bennett is joined by two experts from London and Paris to look ahead to the final in New Jersey.

Nigeria are the first team through to the quarter-finals of WAFCON after defeating Botswana 1-0 at Stade El Arbi Zaouli in Casablanca on Thursday. World Football's Sophia Hartley, the BBC’s Ian Williams and the former Nigerian goalkeeper Rachael Ayegba reflect on the win and discuss who they could play in the last eight. PHOTO: Oshoala of Nigeria and Fc Barcelona during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Round of 16 match between England and Nigeria at Brisbane Stadium on August 7, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Sophia Hartley is joined by footballer writer Firdose Moonda and South African sport journalist Buisiswe Mokwena to discuss the start of Banyana Banyana's defence of their Women's Africa Cup of Nations title. There are questions over how the title holders will fare in the start of their campaign amidst ongoing disputes in the South African camp. PHOTO: SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 06: Desiree Ellis, Head Coach of South Africa, is seen prior to the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Round of 16 match between Netherlands and South Africa at Sydney Football Stadium on August 06, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Nigeria’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign began with a convincing 3-0 victory against Tunisia. As the Super Falcons bid for a historic tenth WAFCON title, Sophia Hartley is joined by former Nigerian goalkeeper Rachel Ayegba to reflect on the opening weekend fixtures of the 2024 Women’s African Cup of Nations, plus you’ll hear from former Super Falcons goalkeeper Desire Oparanozie who is covering the tournament in Morocco. PHOTO: BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 31: Asisat Oshoala of Nigeria reacts after a missed chance during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group B match between Ireland and Nigeria at Brisbane Stadium on July 31, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Mani Djazmi is joined by Eduardo Alvarez to look back on the Club World Cup so far - analysing the performances of Manchester City, Real Madrid, and the Brazilian clubs – and assessing just how much of a shock was provided by Al-Hilal as they beat Manchester City. They discuss the issues the tournament has faced and also look ahead to the quarter-final ties and plot a path to glory for one of them. PHOTO: ORLANDO, FLORIDA - JUNE 30: Ruben Neves of Al Hilal celebrates after the win at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 round of 16 match between Manchester City and Al-Hilal at Camping World Stadium on June 30, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)

World Football meets identical twins Karen and Sara Holmgaard, who are both in Denmark’s squad for Euro 2025. They tell John Bennett that going to Switzerland as a pair is special and that it’s a dream to play together, after Karen missed the 2023 World Cup through injury. They also discuss the influence Pernille Harder has on Denmark’s squad and their hopes for the tournament. The twins spent last season playing for Everton and discuss how they feel, following the announcement Sara is leaving the club for Real Madrid. PHOTO: HELSINGOR, DENMARK - JUNE 21: (L-R) Sara Holmgaard and Karen Holmgaard of Denmark pose for a portrait during the official UEFA Women's EURO 2022 portrait session on June 21, 2022 in Helsingor, Denmark. (Photo by Oliver Hardt - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

Sophia Hartley looks ahead to UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 and the country at the heart of Europe hosting this year’s tournament, Switzerland. With access inside the Swiss camp and a seat at the table with UEFA Head of Women’s Football Nadine Kessler, World football explores what people can expect from the hosts, their chances in the tournament and what legacy they hope to create. You’ll also hear from Swiss Captain Lia Walti and Head Coach Pia Sundhage as well as Swiss-German football journalist Helene Altgelt. Photo: Switzerland's forward #7 Riola Xhemaili celebrates scoring her team's first goal during an international women's friendly football match between Switzerland and Czech Republic, ahead of the Women Euro 2025 tournament, at stadium Schuetzenwiese in Winterthur, on June 26, 2025. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP) (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images)

The build up is well under way ahead of the 15th Women's Africa Cup of Nations. The tournament is taking place in Morocco with 12 teams are taking part including the holders South Africa. Delyth Lloyd is joined by World Football’s Maz Farookhi as well as the former Nigeria goalkeeper Rachael Ayegba and South African football journalist Busisiwe Mokwena as they discuss the big talking points. You’ll also hear from Nigerian superstar Asisat Oshoala and Zambia’s Barbra Banda.

Many of the world’s biggest clubs are playing in the Club World Cup in the United States, but does the expanded, new look tournament give the African sides a chance to make an impression? Egypt's Al Ahly, South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns, Wydad Casablanca of Morocco and Tunisia's Esperance are the teams looking to outperform European superclubs and other contenders from across the globe. Hear from former South Africa defender Mark Fish and South African football journalist Mo Allie on Sundowns chances. Image: Photos of the second leg of the CAF Champions League semi-final between Al Ahly of Egypt and Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa, which ends in a 1-1 draw for Sundowns in Cairo, Egypt, on April 25, 2025. (Photo by Mohsen Nabil/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Ahead of the newly expanded Club World Cup, World Football’s Mani Djazmi is joined by Spanish football journalist Eduardo Alvarez to look ahead to the tournament taking place in the United States. Thirty-two teams from around the globe will take part in the tournament across 11 cities in the US, with the final taking place on 13 July. Plus, we also hear from striker Angus Kilkolly who plays for the tournament’s only amateurs, Auckland City. Photo: General view of the FIFA Club World Cup Trophy in exposition at Estadio da Luz during the FIFA Club World Cup Trophy Tour on January 17, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Credit: FIFA via Getty Images)